Relationship between Depression and Sarcopenia in Japanese Elderly with Mild Long-term Care or Support Needs

Abstract

[Purpose] To clarify the relationship between depression and sarcopenia in Japanese elderly receiving day-care through the long-term care insurance system. [Participants and Methods] Seventy-nine community-dwelling individuals (45 males and 34 females) aged more than 65 years, who required support level 1, level 2, or care level 1 support and were receiving day-care through the long-term care insurance system were enrolled. We examined the relationship between the prevalence of sarcopenia and the degree of depression, muscle strength, physical function, and skeletal muscle mass index. [Results] A significant association between the degree of depression and the prevalence of sarcopenia was only observed in males. In addition, a significant decrease in skeletal muscle mass index was observed in males as their depression worsened. No significant difference was observed in females. [Conclusion] This study found that there is a gender difference in the relationship between depression and sarcopenia. A relationship between depression and sarcopenia was found among elderly males who received day care through the long-term care insurance system.